Union Grove ISD was the host Tuesday for 17 area school districts, as part of the Piney-East Perkins Career and Technical Education (CATE) Consortium. Members of the consortium met to discuss ways to benefit students through workforce- related classes, curriculum and certifications.

Union Grove ISD, the fiscal agent for the group, hosted the event as a brainstorming and Q&A session.

On hand were presenters from area technical schools, colleges and industry professionals.

“Career education is critical in today’s society,” said Union Grove ISD Supt. Brian Gray. “Statistics show that 28 percent of graduating high school students are entering universities that offer 4-year degrees.

“Those students that graduate are competing for only about 20 percent of the available jobs,” he said. “Students that opt for technical training and workforce-related skills are competing for 68 percent of available jobs. It is our responsibility as educators to offer real-world skills that give students who opt to enter the work force an opportunity to be successful, tax-paying members of society.”

School districts from across the area heard presentation on multiple curricula, possible CATE class offerings and discussed virtual learning as an option that allows school districts with limited resources to offer CATE classes.

“All school districts want to offer the best education possible, and we want all of our kids to be prepared for a 4-year college if that is the route they plan to go,” Gray said. “However, we don’t want to disenfranchise any students, and if they choose technical school or opt to go directly into the workforce, we want to give our kids certifications and other tools that make them employable.

“Statistics show that 60 percent of all baby-boomers will retire within the next ten years, and many of the jobs that will become available are of skilled workers.”

Kelly Muffoletto, the consortium coordinator, organized the meeting and brought in experts in many fields to address the educator audience. The groups discussed the fastest-growing career fields, and workforce areas that are in high demand, as well as pay structure of various industries.